ROCKFORD — A new family portrait was headed for a wall at Zarrah Veitch’s home, a gift from local photographers who donated their time, talents and materials Saturday to capture memories and smiles.

“We needed to update our photo,” Veitch said of images of her and her children. “And Mama don’t have money now. Holidays are a struggle for me.”

Studio photographers would typically charge $100 or more for a portrait session, but a portrait session and a framed print were donated to dozens of families who came to the TLC Learning Center, 207 N. First St.

It was part of Help-Portrait, a worldwide movement where professional photographers volunteer their skills to give back to their communities. It’s the third year it’s has been staged her.

Mic Steed of Roscoe said he went to Madison several years ago to learn how Help-Portrait works. About 70 families came the first two years and Steed was hoping for a similar turnout this year, when 10 photographers shot portraits and two dozen volunteers participated.

Steed, who declined to give the name of his business because the day was not about promoting what he does, said people were recruited by word-of-mouth and through Cornucopia Food Pantry and Rockford Rescue Mission.

For photographers, who compete with each other for high school senior portraits, weddings, family portraits and other photography, Saturday was a day to focus lenses for philanthropy.

“There was a lady here last year who was in tears, crying because she had never had a portrait taken before,” Steed said. “Every year someone has touched me with their reaction. That’s why I do this.”

Jennifer Torres said family portraits are part of the holiday season. Lately, it’s a tradition that has lapsed.

“It’s been years since we took a family portrait,” she said, admiring one of her children and niece.